Impacts Of New EPA Carbon Regulations Still Uncertain In Arizona

Arizona’s coal fired power plants could be required to significantly cut their carbon emissions. The reductions are part of a nationwide initiative to curb carbon pollution.

The White House released the plan Monday morning. The proposed rule, which takes up more than 640 pages, is complex, to say the least. It outlines a regulatory process that will ultimately require Arizona to cut its carbon emissions from power plants by about 30 percent.

Environmental groups are praising the plan. Bret Fanshaw is with Environment Arizona. He says the rule would encourage the state to distance itself from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy.

"Over the long term I think we’re going to have more opportunity to create jobs in the clean energy sector in this state than continuing to dig up and burn fossil fuels," said Fanshaw.

But those who oppose the plan say it would cost Arizona about 1,000 jobs. In a statement, Republican Rep. Paul Gosar called it “overreaching.”

The state’s main utilities are still determining the scope of the plan’s impact, but could not comment on specifics.

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